Making the switch from Plastic to Stainless Steel water bottles
Did you know that plastic left behind by travelers kills hundreds of camels in the UAE each year?
That’s terrible. And it’s completely avoidable.
Platinum Heritage made the switch from plastic bottles to stainless steel reusable bottles. Not only is this more environmentally-friendly (the camels will thank you), you get a souvenir to take home after your desert safari experience. This switch is saving 160,000 plastic water bottles per year.
Here’s a little more on why we’re making this switch to stainless steel bottles.
The dangers of plastic bottles
Rocks of calcified plastic weighing up to 60 kilograms have been found in the stomachs of dead camels. That’s horrifying—and shouldn’t be happening.
Unfortunately, it appears that plastic consumption is increasing worldwide. Annual consumption of plastic bottles is predicted to exceed half a trillion by 2021. Recycling initiatives and efforts are making progress, but they can’t keep up.
Just 5 percent of plastic waste is effectively recycled. When plastic is left in the Dubai desert, it puts animals and the environment at risk.
From our precious oceans and coastlines to jungles and deserts, nature and wildlife are feeling the negative effects of plastic pollution. Just consider these statistics:
• one million birds die and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die every year from plastic.
• By 2050, some studies suggest there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.
• One in two camels in the UAE dies from consuming plastic.
•About 4% of the world’s oil production is utilized as feedstock for making plastic products, making plastics manufacturing a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.Clearly, it’s time for us to look for alternatives to plastic bottles.
Alternatives to plastic bottles
Reusable plastic bottles
Reusable plastic bottles are one alternative. The problem is that cheap plastic, when exposed to high temperatures (which occur in places like Dubai), can lead to chemicals and toxins in the plastic leaching into your drinking water.
While most plastic bottles made now are BPA-free, manufacturing of them still causes environmental damage. Also, when you go out on a desert safari or elsewhere in nature, there’s always a chance you’ll forget the bottle. That still puts animals and nature at risk.
Additionally, most plastics still leach hormone-like chemicals even if they are BPA-free. It’s not like you’ll grow a third or fourth ear, but you get the point. The only truly safe plastics are those marked with numbers 2, 4, and 5, as these aren’t known to leach. But these aren’t durable and will stain, tilt, and leak after a period of use.
Glass bottles
Glass bottles, which don’t contain chemicals that can leach into your body, are a worthy alternative. They’re made from the sand—fitting for a desert safari.
But glass bottles aren’t exactly the most convenient to take on a bike tour or desert adventure. First, glass bottles are heavy, making them a burden to take on the go. Second, glass bottles break easily (and you don’t want to shatter them the desert sands).
Aluminum bottles
Aluminum bottles are lightweight, inexpensive, and look cool, but not all of these bottles are pure aluminum. Many aluminum bottles lined with epoxy resin to hide the metallic taste, which means they contain bisphenol A (yes, that’s the BPA you don’t want to hang around).
On top of that, aluminum bottles aren’t dishwasher safe—a major inconvenience. They also dent easily. And you don’t want to be carrying around a dented water bottle.
Why stainless steel bottles are the way forward
Simply put, stainless steel bottles offer convenience and looks—and no known safety issues. That’s crucial, because you don’t want to ingest harmful chemicals or put animals in danger.
Other alternatives may be okay, but they have potential drawbacks that don’t make them as good of an option as stainless steel. Stainless steel bottles are constructed from culinary-grade steel, meaning they won’t leach toxins when holding water. On top of that, stainless steel bottles are incredibly durable and lightweight, making them perfect for a run, hike, or desert safari.
By switching to stainless steel bottles, we estimate we can save 160,000 plastic bottles per year. This way, everyone wins, from the desert wildlife to the environment to your body. That calls for a toast (with your stainless steel bottle, of course).